Public Affairs

Hogsett Announces Resignation

Sam Klemet

United States Attorney Joe Hogsett is resigning.

That's according to a letter sent Monday to Attorney General Eric Holder. His resignation will go into effect July 31.

Hogsett has served four years as the U.S. Attorney for Indiana's Southern District and, in the letter, said, “It has been an honor to serve in this office for the last four years because I have had the privilege to do so alongside a talented group of Assistant United States Attorneys. I owe them and our tireless support staff a debt of gratitude for the dedication and resilience that has been displayed every day of my tenure."

It's thought Hogsett may be considering a run for Mayor of Indianapolis, although he dismissed similar rumors earlier this year, saying he would serve out the remainder of his term. Now, with his resignation announced, those rumors are almost certain to resurface.

Marion County Democratic Chair Joel Miller said a potential mayoral run is just speculation at this point but says Hogsett's experience as U.S District Attorney would make him a unique candidate.

"Joe Hogsett offers this city something that's lacking which is strong leadership on public safety and a proven record on public safety," he said.

Indiana political analyst Ed Feigenbaum agreed that any talk of a mayoral run is purely speculative, but he said the timing of the resignation points to higher ambitions.

“The only reason to leave a job like this with so much time left is to look for something better,” he says. “Joe Hogsett is a guy who’s always been interested in serving the public, and he’s always been a great retail campaigner. You add the two equations together and you come up with Mayor of Indianapolis in 2015.”

Former Governor and U.S Senator Evan Bayh nominated Hogsett for the position of U.S District Attorney.

He doesn’t know if Hogsett is going to put his hat in the ring for Mayor, but says if he does, the last four years prepared him to deal with the city’s violence issues.

"I think whoever the next leader of our city happens to be they'll need to have a thoughtful program for growing our economy and creating good jobs, trying to foster the best education system we can have, and having safe and reliable neighborhoods," said Bayh. "If we are going to achieve any of those things, we've got to come to grips with the violent crime problem we've got."

"Joe Hogsett, I think, brings a record of experience to that that would be unmatched by almost anyone I can think of."

When asked if he would financially support Hogsett if decides to run for Mayor, Bayh said he will support him in any way that is legally allowed.

Current Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says he isn’t giving the news about Hogsett too much thought and is focused on doing his job.

"Do I look worried? No," said Ballard. "You've got to understand, I'm way different. I'm doing what I think is the best thing for the city."

Hogsett officially resigns as district attorney, July 31st.

So far, state representative Ed DeLaney and Washington Township Trustee Frank Short are the only two in the party to announce they will run for Mayor next year.

County Democrats will hold a convention in February to decide who the party will back for positions including Mayor. So far, state representative Ed DeLaney and Washington Township Trustee Frank Short are the only two Democrats to announce they will run for mayor next year.

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